Cumbria Community Forest was created after being awarded funding from Defra’s Nature for Climate Fund following a bid from Cumbria Woodlands, Cumbria County Council, the National Trust, Forestry Commission and other partner organisations.
The project aims to plant thousands of trees which will create up to 150 hectares of woodland. These woodlands and trees will provide direct and real benefits for people living within these communities through the development of new tree planting and woodland creation. It will offer opportunities for decarbonisation and enhance the county’s natural capital, making Cumbria a more attractive place to live and work.
In 2022, Cumbria Woodlands secured £200,000 of further funding from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to support the project and secure its future.
The Community Forest has evolved and grown. In 2023 the project moved to be supported directly by the Community Forest Trust, and hosted by Raise Cumbria. Cumbria Woodlands continues to support the Community Forest, working in partnership with Raise and providing expertise and advice through our woodland advisory service.
Find out more about Englands Community Forests here www.communityforest-trust.org/englands-community-forests